Cathy Santos, a courageous single mother, and small business owner took decisive action to protect her daughters’ future amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Her story is a testament to the power of love and thoughtful financial planning in the face of adversity.
During a visit to her BDO branch, she was able to talk to a BDO Life Financial Advisor (FA). Cathy sought life insurance policies for her two daughters. Her intention was very specific – she wanted to provide her children a financial head start which they could spend for whatever they needed as they got older.
The BDO Life FA noted Cathy’s commitment and sense of responsibility. She asked Cathy a crucial question: “Why not get a life insurance policy for yourself as well? You’re the sole breadwinner of a single-income household. Sa inyo lang po umaasa ang mga anak ninyo (Your daughters solely depend on you). If something happened to you, paano na po sila? Sino po ang susuporta sa kanila kung mawala kayo? (If something happened to you, how will they survive? Who will support them?)”
Something in what her FA said struck a chord in her heart. As a single mother with no one to depend on financially, Cathy thought, “What if by some twist of fate, I am taken out of the picture? My daughters would be left all alone with very little or nothing at all to support them.”
After much thought, Cathy listened to her FA’s advice and took out a life insurance policy for herself. Despite the financial strain that the added premium would cause, safeguarding her daughters’ financial well-being was her top priority.
With her own life insurance policy in place, Cathy felt more at peace, knowing that whatever happens, her daughters would be protected.
Cathy’s parents, who were then living with them, felt differently. Believing that paying for insurance premiums was a waste of money, they discouraged Cathy. Despite her parents’ efforts to convince her to withdraw her policies, Cathy diligently paid the premiums for her and her daughters’ coverage. Cathy’s concern and commitment to protect their future prevailed.
Several years later, in 2021, tragedy struck. Cathy contracted COVID-19 and after a few weeks of fighting the virus, she passed away in her sleep. Her daughters experienced unbearable pain from losing their mother. Moreover, losing the only person they relied on for survival worsened their situation.
In this unfortunate development, Cathy’s foresight and diligence paid off. Upon learning of her client’s passing, Cathy’s BDO Life Financial Advisor worked on enabling Cathy’s daughters to gain immediate access to funds to cover Cathy’s final expenses. Whatever remained out of the proceeds of Cathy’s policy was sufficient to sustain them over the next few years.
Nothing can bring Cathy back to her daughters. Yet her life insurance policy, serving as her Plan B for life, enabled her to continue providing for her daughters—a symbol of her love transcending life itself.
Cathy’s inspiring Plan B journey with BDO Life reminds us that love for family need not be limited to this lifetime. With proper financial planning and the right insurance plan, one can ensure that their loved ones will continue to be taken care of, even if they’re no longer in the picture.
With BDO Life, it’s easy to start your Plan B journey. Just drop by any BDO branch and look for the BDO Life Financial Advisor. You can also visit the website at www.bdo.com.ph/bdo-life.
